The Portage District Library is pleased to announce that we will no longer charge overdue fines for late material.
We are proud to join fine-free libraries across the country and we look forward to welcoming back patrons who have stopped using the library as a result of fines.
Browse other Fine-Free Libraries
The belief that overdue fines motivate patrons to return their materials has guided library policy for many years. However, research has shown that those who incur late fees and are able to pay will keep visiting and borrowing while those who are unable to pay simply stop using the library—and in some instances fail to return overdue materials.
The Library Board previously opted to waive overdue fines on returned items starting in March 2020 and continued throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now, all past overdue fines have been removed too. Patrons who have not checked out material in a while are encouraged to visit the library to update their account or get a new library card.
We urge anyone with overdue materials still in their possession to return them promptly to avoid being charged for replacement. Billing for non-returned material will resume October 1, 2022.
In addition to removing the barrier of overdue fines, the Library Board has reconsidered other lending policies to be sure library materials are returned on time. They have also increased limits so that patrons can have access to more items at one time, which you can also review in our Circulation Policy.
Changes to our Policies
- No more daily fines charged for overdue materials.
- Materials available for renewal will automatically be renewed.
- Starting October 1, 2022, materials that are more than 28 days overdue will be billed for replacement.
- Accounts with bills for non-returned items will be blocked until the items are returned or replacement charges are paid.
- Replacement charges will be removed if overdue items are returned in good condition.
Increases to our Limits at One Time
- All members are limited to 15 non-Hot Pick DVDs.
- Resident or paying members are limited to 5 items from each type of Hot Pick material (books, movies, music).
- All members may place up to 25 items on hold.
Overdue Notice Timeline
- Two automatic courtesy renewals (as long as there are no holds on the item and the item is available for renewal) (email only)
- Notification of non-renewal; Recall notice 2 days before due date (email only)
- 1st Overdue notice sent 7 days after an item is overdue (email or print)
- 2nd Overdue notice 14 days after due date (email or print)
- 3rd Overdue notice 21 days after due date (email or print)
- Account is blocked when items are 28 days overdue
- Materials are Assumed Lost /Billing notice is sent 28 days after due date (email & print)
What Happens if I get Blocked?
- Materials are assumed lost and you will be billed for replacement.
- You will not be able to check out any physical materials from the library or through MeLCat.
- Electronic services and collections will remain accessible to patron accounts that have not expired.
- Your account may be sent to a private notification service if your balance is $25 or more and the billed items are not returned in good condition or paid for within 28 days after being billed.
- All accounts that are sent to the notification service, will be charged an additional service fee.
How to Unblock Your Account?
- Return your materials in good condition and replacement bills will automatically be removed as they are checked in.
- Pay for the cost of any lost, damaged, incomplete or non-returned materials. Refunds are not available once you pay for an item, even if that item is returned.
- Speak with our staff at the Checkout Desk about reinstating your account after the items are returned or the replacement fees are paid.
Learn More about Fine-Free
- American Library Association Resolution on Monetary Library Fines as a Form of Social Inequity
- Long Overdue: Eliminating Fines on Overdue Materials to Improve Access to San Francisco Public Library
- Removing Barriers to Access: Eliminating Library Fines and Fees on Children’s Materials – Colorado State Library
- A TED Talk on going Fine Free by Dawn Wacek from La Crosse Public Library